The product we're reviewing today hails all the way from the land down under. From newcomers, Grand Classic Grooming, Jay and the team was generous to send in their E85 Natural Race Blend. This take on a classic medium hold oil based pomade has a twist to it as the brewers have sourced out synthetic beeswax as a vegan-friendly substitute. Enough chit chat, let's speed away to the actual review.
Packaging
The E85 comes in a black 3.5 oz metal tin with a screw top lid. The bold yellow label features white pinstripes across it with the brand and product name clearly presented. You'll find more details of the product on the back of the tin such as ingredients, performance breakdown and further information. A rather simplistic design approach, but it still looks well-presented nonetheless and the race car motif gives it a unique identity.
Scent
To make things simple, the scent breakdown is a smokey tobacco and citrus with woody basenotes. I personally get a strong woody tobacco smell that's slightly sweet which I do quite enjoy. Although not an overbearing scent, it definitely makes its presence throughout the day.
Application
Scooping out the product requires some effort, but it doesn't take much to get a nice amount out. Breaking down it down might be met with a few wax beads separating, but just keep working it till everything breaks down into a smooth buttery grease. It applies into the hair with practically no tug and pull. I would suggest applying it into dry hair in order to achieve as much hold as possible.
Slickness
This pomade is able to provide a really nice amount of slickness. It's not overly greasy, but still definitely slick and sticky enough to keep control of your strays and comb down more stubborn areas.
Control
You can get a fair amount of control using this pomade. It has a medium weight which allows for a good amount of height and volume but will still provide some backbone structure to it. It's more suited for moderate hairstyles, so don't expect to get a lot of height from it.
Strength
The hold is slightly on the lighter side of a medium, but still really nice overall. Has enough strength to keep the style in place in temperate conditions.
Shine
Provides a nice medium shine.
Durability
Being a slicker and lighter medium, it's not going to fair against hot weather incredibly well. It will put up a fight and you will still be able to recomb and restyle without issue. Just don't expect things to sit nice and pretty if you're walking around and sweating all day long.
Washability
Washing it all out will require about 2-3 shampoo washes. It does leave behind a slightly oily buildup.
Price-point
Including shipping, it costs $41.60 SGD ($30.94 USD). Obviously not the cheapest option out there, but a fair price overall.
Verdict
Grand Classic Grooming is a pretty interesting brand. I really do think that their motor sport theme gives them some uniqueness, and I like how they try to support other Australian businesses when it comes to sourcing out their ingredients.
As far as the E85 goes, I think it's a great medium hold pomade. The synthetic beeswax gives it this odd, frothyness that breaks down nice, slick and smooth. Applies like an absolute dream and has a great balance of hold and control to support multitude of hairstyles. As mentioned earlier, it's definitely on the lighter side of a medium which also leads it to lack slightly in the endurance department. I've also tried to let it buildup over a few days to see if the overall performance gets better, but I find that the improvement is pretty minimal overall.
At the end of the day, Grand Classic Grooming's E85 is a solid choice for a medium hold oil based pomade. It's a great vegan-friendly option and has the characteristics of a good medium. If you're willing to show some support to these boys down under, definitely give Grand Classic Grooming's E85 Natural Race Blend a shot. It'll be sure to get your motor running.
As far as the E85 goes, I think it's a great medium hold pomade. The synthetic beeswax gives it this odd, frothyness that breaks down nice, slick and smooth. Applies like an absolute dream and has a great balance of hold and control to support multitude of hairstyles. As mentioned earlier, it's definitely on the lighter side of a medium which also leads it to lack slightly in the endurance department. I've also tried to let it buildup over a few days to see if the overall performance gets better, but I find that the improvement is pretty minimal overall.
At the end of the day, Grand Classic Grooming's E85 is a solid choice for a medium hold oil based pomade. It's a great vegan-friendly option and has the characteristics of a good medium. If you're willing to show some support to these boys down under, definitely give Grand Classic Grooming's E85 Natural Race Blend a shot. It'll be sure to get your motor running.
Click here to visit Grand Classic Grooming on their online store
